storm

a disturbance of the normal condition of the atmosphere, manifesting itself by winds of unusual force or direction, often accompanied by rain, snow, hail, thunder, and lightning, or flying sand or dust.

2.

a heavy fall of rain, snow, or hail, or a violent outbreak of thunder and lightning, unaccompanied by strong winds.

3.

Also called violent storm. Meteorology. a wind of 64–72 miles per hour (29–32 m/sec).

4.

a violent military assault on a fortified place, strong position, or the like.

5.

a heavy or sudden volley or discharge:

a storm of criticism; a storm of bullets.

6.

a violent disturbance of affairs, as a civil, political, social, or domestic commotion.

Old English storm, from Proto-Germanic *sturmaz (cf. Old Norse stormr, Old Saxon, Middle Low German, Middle Dutch, Dutch storm, Old High German and German sturm). Old French estour "onset, tumult," Italian stormo are Germanic loan-words. Figurative (non-meteorological) sense was in late Old English.

Storm-door first recorded 1878; storm-water is from 1879; storm-window is attested from 1824. Storm surge attested from 1929.

v.

of the wind, "to rage, be violent," c.1400, from storm (n.). Military sense (1640s) first used by Oliver Cromwell. Related: Stormed; storming.